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Journey of the Magi Theme of Suffering

As journey's go, the "Journey of the Magi" really blows. It begins and ends with suffering, and the Magi suffer a whole lot during the journey, too, what with all the bad weather and even worse people. But there's a bigger suffering going on here, too. There's the psychological suffering of the dying culture of the Magi, plus the physical and mental anguish we know this kid, Jesus, will experience as he grows up to become Christ. So what do we make of all this? We think Eliot's reminding us that a whole lot about spirituality and religion revolves around suffering, and that suffering often comes with religious transformation.

Questions About Suffering

Does the beginning of the poem make you sympathize with the Magi? If so, how? If not, how come?

Can you make a list of all of the things that could cause suffering in this poem? Is it a long list?

Do you think the Magis' suffering is related to Jesus's suffering? How so, or why not?

Why do you think the Magus says that he would "do it again" towards the end of the poem? Does that mean he's a man of faith, and that's why he's willing to endure all this hardship?

Chew on This

Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.

The physical suffering that the Magi go through in the first part of the poem is only a precursor to the horrible spiritual suffering they'll go through by the end.

The Magis' despair at the end of the poem tells us that widespread spiritual change isn't necessarily good for everyone. Eliot is highlighting the awful awkwardness of religious rebirth.